In recent weeks we’ve been talking a lot about anchoring our day-to-day lives in God’s Word: read, reflect, study, pray! After all, ’tis the season of New Year’s Resolutions and turning over a new leaf—all in all, a great time to reaffirm our spiritual survival practices, like hearing from God (in Scripture) and talking with God (through prayer).
God’s Word is our survival. Jesus says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Scripture is no trifle, “but it is your life” (Deut. 32:47). God’s Word is our soul food, so snubbing the Bible is anti-life. Hear the word of God, “that you may live” (Isa. 55:3).
Think what it would feel like to be dropped in the middle of nowhere with no communication—no phone, no access to people anywhere: you can’t reach them and they can’t reach you. Cut off. Isolated. Like Tom Hanks in “Cast Away.” Imagine the terror, the despair.
Yet that’s what we choose when we shrug off the Bible and instead squander our time roaming around Facebook, or getting engrossed in the latest political squabble, or wallowing in 24/7 sports coverage.
I want to challenge you on this—and challenge myself as well (I’m way too distractible these days)! The Enemy is looking for ways to divert our minds and hearts away from the One who is our life, and get us to waste precious hours in unnecessary and even trivial pursuits.
A few years ago Kevin DeYoung wrote a book entitled, Taking God at His Word. I recommend it highly. Not (of course) as a substitute for Bible reading, but to help us see the Bible correctly. He points out:
God’s Word is sufficient—it says all we need to hear about knowing God and living as his people now and forever.
God’s Word is clear—its key truths can be grasped by us all.
God’s Word is final—no need for sequels, no room for amendments. The Lord has spoken, and we need to come to terms with his truth.
God’s Word is necessary—although we thank the Lord for the wonder of “general revelation” in nature, we need his written Word to know who we are and how to respond to his saving initiative!
